A CHARITY has issued a call to action to help stop people dying from cold homes.

According to fuel poverty charity National Energy Action – there were 5,300 excess deaths in the West Midlands last winter, with 1,590 vulnerable people believed to have died as a direct result of not being able to heat their homes adequately.

The charity says it has released the figures today (Friday) on Fuel Poverty Day to raise awareness about just how many fuel poor households there are across the UK.

Adam Scorer, chief executive of NEA, said: “Everybody has the right to live in a warm and safe home but tragically, many people died needlessly last winter because of cold homes. Living in a cold damp home can also lead to extremely poor health, especially in those who are vulnerable such as young children, older people, and those with long term sickness and disabilities.

“With fuel bills set to rise again, without urgent local and national action we are worried the same will keep happening each winter. As well as needless deaths and misery, this would continue to place a huge strain on our already stretched health services.”

The charity is urging the Government to provide investment to dramatically improve energy efficiency in the least efficient homes and asking local councils to do all they can to enforce housing standards.

In Dudley, according to Government statistics, there were 230 excess winter deaths and in parts of the borough 25 per cent of households were estimated to be living in fuel poverty.

In parts of Castle and Priory ward in Dudley 25 per cent of households (220 families) were thought to be fuel poor in 2016 - and 24 per cent of households (174 families) in parts of Brierley Hill.

Dudley Council says its Winter Warmth/Energy Advice Service works to reduce the number of households in fuel poverty and the number of winter deaths among the most vulnerable groups in the borough.

Councillor Cathryn Bayton, Dudley's cabinet member for health said: “It is totally unacceptable for anyone to have to make the choice between eating and heating. Dudley Council is committed to helping and supporting those residents who are struggling more at this time of year.

“Our Winter Warmth scheme and energy advice service has helped more than 1,100 people since April 2018. Our advisors visit homes, offer advice, support with accessing funding, help people to choose the best tariff for them and provide heaters to those in immediate need.

“While fuel poverty is shameful, it is not necessarily the cause of all of the additional deaths that occur in the winter compared to the summer and we are also taking steps to tackle these other factors. We encourage people to take up their free flu jabs and we also support them to reduce the risk of having a fall which can severely impact on health. We’ve also produce a booklet this year which gives residents information about the changes they can make at home and the wide range of support available to them to stay safe and well in winter.

“Nobody should be living in a cold house and risking their health. It is just not acceptable. Anyone who is concerned about themselves, friends or family members can call the Winter Warmth team on 01384 817086 or email winterwarmth@dudley.gov.uk to see what support is available.”

The service is available to all residents in the borough but the authority specifically targets those most at risk such as people with long-term health conditions or disabilities, those with mental health problems, people over 65, families with young children under five and people on low incomes.